The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court issued a status quo order, temporarily halting the enforcement of a High Court ruling to stop the operation of battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka.

Chamber Judge Md. Rezaul Haque issued the order on Monday (November 25), allowing the vehicles to continue operating in Dhaka for now.

As a result, there is no longer any obstacle to the movement of battery-powered auto-rickshaws. 

Deputy Attorney General Noor Muhammad Azmi confirmed this information.

Earlier in the day, the government filed an appeal seeking a stay on the High Court's recent directive to stop the operation of battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka.

Deputy Attorney General Nur Muhammad Azmi said that the appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division's relevant branch on Monday (November 25).

He said the petition might be heard by the chamber judge.

On November 19, the High Court ordered authorities concerned to stop the operation of battery-powered rickshaws on the streets of the Dhaka metropolitan area within three days.

The order came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Brihottor Dhaka City Corporation Pedal-rickshaw Malik Oikya Jote President Jahurul Islam Masum and Secretary Md Momin Ali. 

The petition argued that battery-run rickshaws were unregulated and caused safety and environmental risks, as well as contributed to traffic congestion.  

Around 12 lakh rickshaws currently operate across the capital, with a significant portion being battery-powered. Additionally, many old pedal-rickshaws are being converted into motorised three-wheelers by installing batteries.

BDST: 1543 HRS, NOV 25, 2024
MSK/SMS